Satka Satisfied After Cyprus Double

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Promising defender Lubo Satka played for Slovakia under-19s in two friendly games in Cyprus ahead of June's European Under-19 Championships Elite Round.

The 17-year-old, who was outstanding in last week's Barclays Under-21 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, missed Newcastle's friendly at Cambridge United to represent his country but will be available for Monday's rearranged second-string trip to Norwich City.

On Tuesday, Satka played the full match as his side won 2-1 and on Thursday Slovakia were 1-0 victors, with Satka again playing 90 minutes. They were supported by Slovak soldiers on a UN mission in Cyprus, who made the games feel like home fixtures for the visitors.

Satka told nufc.co.uk: "Both games were hard and played in red hot conditions. This year, Cyprus under-19s have beaten Poland 3-0 and 3-1 and they beat Russia as well. They were unbeaten this year so far so two wins for Slovakia is a great result.

"It was hot and dry so good training conditions for my fitness for the final push at the end of the season and for the tournament in the summer."